Venus Williams has returned to tennis with a bang, winning her opener at the Washington Open against Peyton Stearns.
Williams defeated Stearns 6-3, 6-4 after a 16-month absence from the WTA Tour, having won 21 Grand Slam titles in her prime.
The American clinched seven Grand Slam singles titles, and won 14 doubles titles alongside her sister Serena Williams.
Williams was also playing doubles at Washington, although her run in that format ended at the quarterfinals stage.
Williams proved her doubters wrong with her superb win over Stearns, with the Washington Open fans treated to a throwback from the American icon.
Many tennis fans delighted with Venus Williams’ Cincinnati Open wildcard
But Williams will also now have one eye on the Cincinnati Open, having just been handed a main draw wildcard for the WTA 1000 tournament.
It is a decision that has split tennis fans, one of whom wrote on X: “Let her play as much as she wants. She paid her dues!”
A second excited fan wrote: “Looks like Venus’ comeback is going very well! This is the right time of year, 1000 & major in the US, not much travel, and the big crowds get a chance to see a legend!”
A third said: “It only makes sense. The stands are packed. Tennis is invigorated. People at home are inspired to do the impossible.”
Further praise arrived from others, who said: “Love it” and “Good for new generation to learn from legends.”
Venus Williams’ wildcard decision frustrates many tennis fans despite winning comeback
Along with the delight, however, there was dismay and frustration that the 45-year-old will immediately enter the Cincinnati Open.
One very disappointed fan commented: “One win in two years gets you a wildcard to a 1000 event now then.”
Other frustrated tennis fans shared similar verdicts, commenting: “Ridiculous” and “American tennis is a joke.”
Fans are entitled to their opinions on the wildcard decision for next month’s competition, but there is no denying Williams’ legendary status.
And many supporters who actually attend the Cincinnati Open will undoubtedly flock to her opening match, such is her reputation alone.
But it’s also clear she can still perform at the top despite her lengthy absence, having just stormed past world number 35 Stearns.
She secured the impressive victory after one hour and 37 minutes, with Stearns really surprised by Williams in Washington.
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